OC water district river work draws habitat concerns

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — OC Water District work using heavy equipment to clear vegetation in the Santa Ana River has drawn objections from residents and Creek Team activists who say bird habitat and protected wildlife may be harmed, Voice of OC reported.

The dispute puts Orange County’s water recharge work against local environmental concerns, after the district received a July violation from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for illegally bulldozing a migratory bird nest, according to Voice of OC.

Voice of OC reported that about a dozen public commenters told OC Water District board members last week they opposed bulldozing and other work in the Santa Ana River. The work involves bringing heavy equipment into the stream to remove plant life growing in the river.

OC Water District General Manager John Kennedy said the district has long performed the work to keep the river and recharge facilities ready to capture and recharge water when it is available, according to Voice of OC. Kennedy also said the district schedules the work outside the primary bird nesting season.

Opponents, including Creek Team activists and residents, said many birds in the river are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Voice of OC reported. Creek Team members previously helped stop OC Public Works from continuing herbicide use in county rivers and creeks.

According to Voice of OC, the district is contesting the July violation from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. The article reported that state Fish and Wildlife officials did not answer an email seeking clarification on the water district permit.

The dispute also centers on a Streambed Alteration Agreement. Voice of OC reported that the agreement allows routine maintenance and sand levee construction and repair using heavy machinery, but says it does not allow the district to disturb or remove sediment or remove vegetation growing in the river.

OC Water District Director Erik Weigand called for staff to place a presentation on the Santa Ana River work on the agenda for the next water board meeting, Voice of OC reported.